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India blacklists UAE firms with a history of crew abandonment

India has blacklisted a number of UAE-based crew agents and shipping lines, which have abandoned crew over the last couple of years.

The companies named by India’s Directorate General of Shipping include Shah Al Arab Marine Agency, Enjaz, Azab, Sharjah Moon, Azwa and Alco Shipping Services.

“It has been reported to this Directorate that Indian seafarers are stranded at Dubai for last 22 months due to abandonment by the owners / recruiting agencies… The seafarers are distressed, not paid wages for months not repatriated from after completion of contract,” a release from the directorate stated.

India’s immigration services have also been alerted to bar seafarers from heading to any blacklisted ship.

Authorities in the UAE have in recent months started to crack down on a number of local firms with a history of crew abandonment.

Splash has repeatedly written about the actions of one of the companies blacklisted today, Alco.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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